Partners

Christopher Chong

Head, Construction & Engineering
Director, Dispute Resolution

Key Practices

Qualifications

  • LL.B. (Hons), National University of Singapore (1999)
  • Advocate & Solicitor, Singapore (2000)

Chris is a Singapore qualified dispute resolution lawyer with a substantial experience in commercial disputes. He is an experienced lead counsel who has successfully argued cases at all levels of the Singapore Courts (including its highest court, the Court of Appeal), in arbitrations (both international and domestic) and in adjudications.

Over the last two decades, Chris has developed a market reputation as a go-to lawyer for banking, construction and natural resources disputes.

He has an enviable win record for high-net-worth individuals against financial institutions and is involved in some of the largest private banking cases in Singapore. In 2018, Chris represented an ultra-high-net-worth individual in a claim for more than US$250 million in a Singapore High Court trial against a large international bank.

Chris acts for some of the largest international and domestic players in the construction sector, and works on many of the biggest projects in Singapore. These range from private sector projects such as Resorts World Sentosa, to public sector projects such as the Downtown Line (part of the Singapore subway). He is an experienced counsel in high value construction arbitrations and has been involved in more than 100 adjudications and adjudication reviews since 2013, with the largest being S$116 million (which remains one of the largest to date). Chris is accredited by the Singapore Academy of Law as a Senior Accredited Specialist (Building & Construction).

Chris regularly represents resource owners in mining disputes outside Singapore and also acts for traders in supply disputes for a variety of commodities such as coal and sulphur.

Chris has handled many high profile matters. Here are just a few:

Infrastructure and Construction

  • Representing various parties in more than 100 statutory adjudications commenced under the Building and Construction Authority Security of Payment Act.
  • Representing a contractor in a SIAC arbitration in relation to an airport project in Singapore with claims and counterclaims in excess of S$100 million.

Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Litigation

  • Representing the previous owners of a Cambodian Casino in a SIAC arbitration against the present owners with claims and counterclaims of more than US$300 million.

Energy

  • Representing the owner of a substantial Indonesian coal mine against their off-take partner in four SIAC arbitrations with claims and counterclaims of more than US$60 million and related Singapore court proceedings.

Private Wealth

  • Representing an ultra-high-net-worth individual in his claim against Deutsche Bank AG for more than US$250 million in the Singapore courts for breach of contract, negligence and misrepresentation.

Chambers Asia-Pacific

Construction 2024 – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years 

"He is an exceptional practitioner who is an all-rounder in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and to assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless."

"Christopher Chong is our go-to lawyer for construction disputes in South-East Asia."

"Christopher Chong is a construction law expert and an excellent strategist when it comes to resolving complex multi-party disputes on major infrastructure projects. When projects go south, you want him on your team."

"Pragmatic and quick on his feet”

"A very sound construction lawyer."

A client praised his "knowledge and practical experience," added that "he is excellent and has a very bright mind."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Construction 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 4 consecutive years 

Projects & Energy 2024 – Recommended Lawyer

International Arbitration 2023 – Recommended Lawyer for 2 consecutive years 

“Comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations. With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction and disputes practice, Drew & Napier has been our trusted, go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years”

“Christopher Chong is first-rate counsel for construction disputes in SE Asia. He and his team have done an excellent job in guiding us through some very complex projects.”

“Christopher Chong is very impressive in renewable projects disputes. He is supported by a solid team of associates.” 

“Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, who is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless. Chris is backed by a solid team, whether as a whole or individually, that is more than capable of pulling their own weight and delivering value to us in the context of the role they play.”

“Christopher Chong is an excellent operator. He is well-versed in complex claims regarding delay, disruption, defects, and variations on major construction projects.”

“With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction practice, Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now with full intention on our part to continue this relationship for a long time to come.”

“Christopher Chong is at the top of his game. He is the go-to counsel for major projects arbitrations across the region. He is backed up by a very bright and diligent team.”

“Christopher Chong has an impressive ability to unravel complex fact scenarios and narrow down the key issues in a short period of time. In my experience, I have not come across a better disputes lawyer when it comes to the facts.”

Asialaw Leading Lawyers

Construction 2024 – Distinguished Practitioner for 2 consecutive years

“Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, who is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless. Chris is backed by a solid team that, whether as a whole or individually, are more than capable of pulling their own weight and delivering value to us in the context of the role they play.”

“Excellent advocate in international commercial arbitrations.”

“Christopher has an in-depth knowledge of the industrial sector, is up to date in new trends and technologies of the industry.”

“Christopher Chong is a first class international arbitration practitioner supported by a strong team.”

Who’s Who Legal

Thought Leaders Guide: Construction 2023 – Thought Leader for 3 consecutive years

Global Guide: Construction 2023 – Leading Lawyer for 6 consecutive years

National Guide: Southeast Asia - Construction 2023 – Leading Lawyer for 3 consecutive years

Christopher Chong is held in high esteem by market commentators as “extremely thorough in his work” for private and public urban development matters.

Christopher earns praise for his “unparalleled strategic mindset and commercial outlook”.

Christopher’s “high quality, clear and effective arguments and drafting” are considered to be “a delight to behold”.

Best Lawyers International: Singapore

Construction Law 2023 – Endorsed Individual 

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific

Construction 2023 – Litigation Star for 4 consecutive years 

“Brilliant counsel in construction disputes.”

“Impressive ability to cut through complex fact scenarios and get to the heart of the issues. Provides strategic and commercial advice.”

  • Assessor, Panel of Assessors for COVID-19 Temporary Relief, Ministry of Law
  • Senior Accredited Specialist (Building & Construction), Singapore Academy of Law
  • Accredited Adjudicator, Singapore Mediation Centre
  • Member, Law Society of Singapore
  • Member, Society of Construction Law (Singapore)